EAST LONGMEADOW, Mass. -- March 29, 2005 -- In celebration of its successful building and battling board game, HEROSCAPE, Hasbro's Milton Bradley brand invites America's young writers to define a mysterious figure, who schemes from the shadows at the end of the third HEROSCAPE comic book. Through a second-year relationship with DC Comics, Milton Bradley uses comics to help tell the back story of its 3-D tabletop game, where heroes and warriors vie in the mythical world of Valhalla. Now, in this third issue, young fans can submit their own ideas on the next chapter in Valhalla's history.
Beginning March 22 and running through June 15, 2005, children ages 8 through 12 can offer their answers to questions like, "Who is this mystery character?"; "What is his or her name?"; and "Does he or she have any special features or powers?" The comic will be online March 22 and available at retail on April 13, as an insert into popular DC Comics titles, including The Batman Strikes!, Teen Titans Go!, and Justice League Unlimited. Children should visit http://www.heroscape.com for contest details, official rules and online entry. All entries must be 250 words or less.
"We think kids already familiar with HEROSCAPE will love this opportunity to contribute to its story. But we suspect even newcomers to the game will want to show off their creative talents," said John Santanella, marketing director for Milton Bradley.
Writers at DC Comics and designers of HEROSCAPE will judge entries on quality and creativity, choosing one grand-prize winner at the end of July. This winner will adapt his or her winning story to develop the next HEROSCAPE comic book and mini movie, working alongside DC Comics writers and HEROSCAPE designers. The comic book is scheduled for release in November 2005. The grand prize also includes a three-day, two-night stay in New York City for a tour of the DC Comics office as well as a $250 toy store gift certificate. Twenty-five second-place winners will each be awarded one HEROSCAPE poster signed by the DC Comics art team.
The third HEROSCAPE comic, titled The New Recruit, was created by: writer, T.Templeton; penciller, J.Phillips; inker, R.Friend; letterer, R.Leigh; colors, Wildstorm FX; and editor, J.Gardner.
ABOUT HEROSCAPE
Milton Bradley's HEROSCAPE game brings players into the Final Battle of All Time, where the heroes and warriors from throughout history and fantasy come together on a battlefield customized by the players. Complete with collectible miniature playing pieces and 10 battle scenarios, players strategically tailor the three-dimensional, interlocking tile board with terrain and accessories. A set of game cards indicates the movement, range, armor and attack powers for the players. Between January and September, Milton Bradley will release five expansion sets, providing enthusiasts new character and terrain options when marshalling their armies. The first small figure expansion set, Malliddon's Prophecy was released in January 2005. The second small figure expansion set UTGAR'S RAGE will be available to HEROSCAPE fans in May 2005. Two, large-expansion sets, HYPERION'S RETURN (large creature figures) and ROAD TO THE FORGOTTEN FOREST (unique terrain pieces - bridge, road, and trees will be available in July 2005, and the third small figure expansion set JANDAR'S OATH will be available in September 2005.
About DC Comics
DC Comics, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world and home to such iconic characters as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and the Sandman. These DC super heroes and others have starred in comic books, movies, television series (both animated and live-action) and cyberspace, thrilling audiences of all ages for generations. DC Comics' Web site is located at http://www.dccomics.com.
ABOUT HASBRO
Hasbro Games manufactures and markets games and puzzles under the brand names Milton Bradley and Parker Brothers. Included in its product line are some of the world's best-known games and puzzles including: CANDY LAND, the MONOPOLY game, SCRABBLE Brand Crossword Game, YAHTZEE, TWISTER, THE GAME OF LIFE, TRIVIAL PURSUIT and BIG BEN Puzzles. The company also markets its games in three focused initiatives: MY FIRST GAMES (pre-school games), FAMILY GAME NIGHT (family games) and GET TOGETHER GAMES (adult games).
(C) 2005 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved.
SCRABBLE is a trademark of HASBRO in the U.S. and Canada.
TRIVIAL PURSUIT is the registered trademark of Horn Abbot Ltd. for the games distributed under exclusive license to Hasbro, Inc.
